Texas10 wrote on Aug 13^th, 2015 at 5:35pm:

So my question is, was I taking a big risk in reducing loads by 3 grams and assuming it was safe to shoot?

If you reduce a typical .30/40 load by 3 grams (46.3 grains), you'll have no powder in the case. Be sure not to confuse grams and grains. Different systems.

You'll continue to see protruding primers until you put in enough powder to expand the case fully. With 150-grain bullets, that may require about 40 grains of 3031. Once the case is expanded to fit, neck or partial FL sizing can maintain minimal cartridge end play, eliminating primer protrusion even with lighter loads.